Cut-out
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
In espionage, a Cut-Out is a courier or mechanism used to pass information and devices from one spy to another while operating in a "denied area" or a hostile environment. There are two forms of cut-outs: block and chain. A block cut-out is an agent familiar with the entire spy network or cell and those who are in it, while the chain cutout is simply an agent who is aware of only the person providing the information and the spy who is receiving the information. The chain cut-out helps to maintain the compartmentalization of the spy network, which increases security by maintaining everyone's anonymity.
In the recording industry, a cut-out refers to a deeply-discounted or remaindered copy of an LP, cassette tape, Compact Disc, or other item. When LPs were the primary medium for distribution or recording, manufacturers would physically cut the corner or add a notch to the sleeve of unsold records returned from retailers; these "cut-outs" might then be re-sold to record retailers or other sales outlets for sale at a discounted price. A special section of a record store devoted to such items was known as the cut-out bin or bargain bin. As tapes and CDs supplanted LPs, the mechanisms for indicating a cut-out changed -- often a hole or mark was burned or melted through the case of the item and its printed insert -- but the terminology remained in place.
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